Both Liverpool and Arsenal faced fellow Premier League opponents in the third round of the League Cup. Despite facing strong competition, these two storied clubs advanced with relative ease. Liverpool defeated Tottenham with three impressive goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai. Arsenal overcame Ipswich, thanks to a brace from 16-year-old talent Max Dowman, along with goals from Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino.

At Anfield, Liverpool fielded a significantly changed lineup. Coach Andoni Iraola made extensive changes, retaining only defender Ronald Araujo from the previous weekend's 0-0 draw against Fulham. Tottenham also rotated their squad, making eight changes. The decisive factor was the home side's clinical finishing.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai celebrate Liverpool's third goal against Tottenham in the third round of the English League Cup at Anfield, Liverpool, England, 15/9. Photo: AP

Liverpool opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Gakpo controlled a cross-field pass before laying the ball off to Rio Ngumoha. The 18-year-old winger was tackled inside the box, but the ball rebounded perfectly to Mac Allister at the edge of the area. The Argentine midfielder struck a one-touch shot with his right foot into the top right corner, beyond the reach of Martin Dubravka.

This marked Mac Allister's second goal of the season. His previous goal was a spectacular strike against Atletico Madrid. The Liverpool Echo noted that the Argentine midfielder appears to be regaining his form after a less-than-stellar 2025-2026 season.

Liverpool doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 54th minute, the home team orchestrated a move involving 15 to 20 passes, moving the ball from their own half to the edge of Tottenham's box. Mac Allister delivered a decisive pass to Gakpo on the left flank. The Dutch forward controlled the ball, faced a Tottenham defender, and then cut inside, a move characteristic of his style, before curling a right-footed shot into the far corner to score.

However, Tottenham pulled a goal back in the 69th minute from a set piece. Mateus Fernandes took a corner kick towards the far post, where Conor Gallagher was unmarked. The English midfielder headed the ball into the net, with Jeremie Frimpong, Gakpo, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili unable to react in time.

Hoang An